The Wonder Years: Portraits of Athletes Who Never Slow Down

One of the most inspiring things to see are people who continue to be athletes and enter competitions without having a care for their age. No one is going to stop them. If they want to part of a race, to surf the waves, to cycle, it doesn't matter, they continue. They are driven and what better to capture that drive and be inspired by the photography of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Rick Rickman, together with writer Donna Wares plus a foreword by athlete Peggy Fleming. "The Wonder Years: Portraits of Athletes Who Never Slow Down" is an inspiring book that features the story of several older athletes such as Janet Freeman, a track competitor; Eve Fletcher who started in surfing in 1957 continues to do so today; Granville Coggs who competes at the 1500-meter run at the Senior Games; Sister Madonna Buder at 78 continues to swim and cycle; couple Bill Cunningham and Jane Hesselgesser who both are body builders; an aquatic dancing team known as the Aquadettes who range from ages 54 through 93 and many, many more athletes who have never slowed down. Also, included is photography from the National Senior Games featuring a few of the thousand of athletes all over the United States who take part in the largest sporting event for people over 50 and also photography of people over 50 who take part in various sports such as swimming, ice hockey, track and field, basketball, softball and many other competitive sports. "The Wonder Years: Portraits of Athletes Who Never Slow Down" captures the passion for the sport and the competitiveness with the athletes. Donna Wares does a very good job in capturing the drive of each athlete featured and of course, Rick Rickman's photography is just beautiful, inspiring and wonderful. For those who have been inspired by these athletes or one that wants that additional inspiration to get out there and take part in a sport, this book shows that even after the age of 50, there are many out there who are driven and passionate about pushing themselves to a higher level and enjoying themselves. Definitely a book worth recommending!

Rick's pictures capture a unique element of the moment of human triumph and intense focus. This is the finest photo journals, which provides fresh, simply stated and inspiring content. A must read. I purchased as a gift for my parents (mid- 80's) and myself to remind me of what is possible in our human journey.

The images in this book capture the potential of what life can be at any age. These people just kept on going, no matter what cards life dealt them, they are a true inspirations. Thank you Rick for sharing your vision of what the wonder years have in store for us. I need to start training now, if I am going to catch up to these amazing individuals.

I purchased The Wonder Years for my grandparents and found that I couldn't put it down. For me, this book revealed less about sports then it did about the choices I have in deciding how I'm going to experience and live the latter part of my life. The photographs and personal stories throughout this book are not only beautiful and at times humorous, but they are deeply moving and inspirational. Absolutely amazing! Whether it's the 80 year old archer or the bodybuilding duo who are 62 & 73, the imagery throughout reveals a world I never knew existed. Shattering any stereotypes I may have had about the athletic capabilities when it comes to the word "senior," this book brings to light a world, a state of being, that puts 30 somethings like myself to shame. Mr. Rickman's photographs capture both the athlete and the essence of the human spirit. The feeling of this book and those who are showcased, teach us that an athlete can be born at 80 and the word "senior" as we know it may forever be redefined as a state of endless possibilities.